California's central coast stretches along coastlines and charming locales. With a variety of venues to choose from that are situated within driving distance from Los Angeles, these event havens offer vistas and accommodations that feel miles away from the metropolitan. Five new venues distinguish themselves across a variety of ambiances and events, a showcase of variety and elegance.
The above picture features the Colony Estate photographed by Magnolia West Photography.
THE COLONY ESTATE in Camarillo
Straight out of a period romance novel, The Colony Estate resembles a genteel mansion made modern. Two grand rosebush-bedecked lawns grace the property, offering dramatic ceremony and reception sites—one featuring a lavish fountain—for weddings of up to 150 guests. The stately courtyard, veranda and antique manor furniture are balanced by a contemporary terrace and a swimming pool area. The panoramic views from the venue’s impressive balcony present a sweeping vista of the surrounding hills and landscape. The estate really shines after the sun goes down, as there is no shortage of ambient lighting throughout the grounds.
Photo by Magnolia West Photography
HART & MAIN in Santa Clarita
Looking for an urban downtown vibe? Located in the heart of downtown Newhall, Hart & Main has it all: a quintessential rooftop deck, mid-century modern structures, a full commercial kitchen and bar, plus a pair of suites for getting ready. “Hart & Main is a unique wedding and event space, with indoor and outdoor options to fit any occasion,” says a spokesperson for the Hart & Main team. “The vision for Hart & Main was to create a purpose-built, versatile and differentiated event space for people to enjoy and celebrate all of life’s special moments.” Not a detail was overlooked during the venue’s construction. Renting the sophisticated space means every base is covered for your special day: a custom bridal suite, complete with a Champagne bar and hair stations; a custom groom’s lounge, equipped with a barber chair and TV; a rehearsal during the week of your wedding; accommodations for as many as 120 seated guests and 200 cocktail party attendees; and a credit to use toward the venue’s in-house coordinator. As Hart & Main couple Joe and Amanda Barbosa put it, “We were blown away by our experience hosting our wedding at Hart & Main. Not only is the venue stunningly beautiful, the staff went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect.”
Photo by Ashley Burns Photography
TUSCAN ROSE RANCH in Santa Paula
In January 2023, a 72-acre floral ranch just south of the Topatopa mountain range opened its doors to couples seeking the rich and storied romance of the Italian countryside. Three event spaces are laden with olive trees, balmy herbs and flowers, and include structural elements of limestone, wrought iron and aged stone, all intimately enclosed by hedges of ficus. Fields of lavender dance along the edges of the picturesque vineyard, while Italian-inspired paving tiles meander through the gardens. Head to the Olive Grove for a cocktail hour under string lights with antique limestone benches and French chateau–inspired gravel. Savor a customizable classic California menu at the reception on the Tuscan Terrace—an 8,000-square-foot lawn replete with 400 rose bushes and French lavender—exclusively served by the renowned DJ’s Catering. With two bridal suites in which couples can get ready separately and hotels only 15 minutes away, Tuscan Rose Ranch offers dreamy nuptials from sunup to sundown.
Photo by Love is Wedding
ZACHARI DUNES ON MANDALAY BEACH in Oxnard
If beachside luxury is what you yearn for, Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach is the ideal destination. Part of the Hilton collection of hotels, the property provides an all-encompassing wedding experience: a beachfront ceremony, with a team of “Experience Crafters” at your beck and call; an entire block of rooms for you and your guests; an on-site rehearsal dinner; a bridal suite for getting ready; and an opulent ballroom reception. Ballroom not your vibe? Opt for the 3,500-square-foot oceanfront event lawn, which rests above the beach. Or, choose showstopping ocean views and hold your nuptials on the sugary sand of Mandalay Beach, which can accommodate a whopping 300 guests. Choose from several of the venue’s on-site restaurants for a decadent rehearsal dinner, such as fare from both land and sea at Ox & Ocean, or the laid-back Sugar Beats, offering freshly prepared seafood and “adultpopsicles,” a resort favorite.
Photo courtesy of Zachari Dunes
SANTA YNEZ RANCH in Santa Ynez
Options are abundant at this 105-acre organic vineyard and farm. Located about 35 minutes from Santa Barbara, the expansive property has it all: indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, a romantic Mediterranean-inspired courtyard, a cozy yet impressive wine lounge and an intimate garden patio. Offering a backdrop of a quaint pond, rolling vineyards and lounging farm animals, the Wedding Lawn is a picturesque site for exchanging your vows. Alternatively, the Grand Barn—a historic horse stable—is brimming with rustic charm. Convenient on-site accommodations for couples and wedding parties will also please every kind of guest: There are comfortable yurts for the glampers, the Horse Cabana for animal lovers, the Deluxe Casita for private vineyard views and a tree-house atmosphere and the adorable Spanish stucco Country Cottage. The ranch offers both an indoor and an outdoor kitchen, which can be tailored to the tastes of food-focused couples wishing to have their dream menu. “Our outdoor kitchen has a wood-burning pizza oven, a smoker and a Santa Maria grill,” says venue co-manager Sara Hershkowitz, “Our indoor kitchen is a 28-foot trailer with complete kitchen equipment, inside a spacious dedicated catering prep space inside the barn.”
Photo courtesy of Santa Ynez Ranch
